We typically think of wisdom flowing in a single direction, from older to younger. “Older” suggests more life experience, which typically translates into more wisdom accumulated. And there’s no question. We all have a lot to learn from those who came before. And we have a lot to impart to those who come after us. But the power of intergenerational storytelling is unnecessarily restricted if it only moves in one direction.
Youthful Wisdom
People younger than us have stories of their own. You can learn something from virtually anyone. Knowledge is power and if we disregard the knowledge and wisdom possessed by those younger than us, we’re ultimately only hurting ourselves. Just as our parents or communities raised us and our own life experiences filled in the gaps of our knowledge and understanding, so too has the life experience of the children we raised rounded them out. They know a lot and there’s much we can learn from them. They have the benefit of their own complicated experiences, not to mention a level of familiarity with technology and the related quick pace of change with which we can only try to keep up. It’s easy to point to technology as the field where older can learn from younger but the field for real learning is far more extensive.
A Source of Strength and Relevance
Sharing wisdom across generations strengthens communities and families by exchanging traditional knowledge for fresh, innovative perspectives. In addition to serving as a source of strength, sharing wisdom across generations is a source of relevance. Rather than insisting a younger person hear what I have to say to assert my relevance, I derive something more from hearing what they have to say and how they say it. Let’s not forget the way language shifts with each new generation. Without a translator it can be near impossible to decipher that jargon.
Openness to wisdom from any source without judgment makes us smarter and helps us build empathy. Be wary of anyone who thinks they’re the smartest in the room and anyone who is convinced they have nothing to learn from someone else. There are lessons all around us. Judgment, self-satisfaction, and ego can get in the way of learning and knowing. Curiosity, interest, and openness can take you further than you might imagine.
Musical Playlist While You Ponder This Post
My Generation by The Who, marjorie by Taylor Swift, My Generation by Limp Bizkit, I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times by The Beach Boys, We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Thinking and Trying
Something to think about: Civil rights happened because youth got involved. The youth stood up and helped to break the pattern that their parents had got accustomed to living. The next generation has to take that stand for whatever it is, socially, that they are involved in. Octavia Spencer
Something to try: Seek out someone from a different generation this week (up to you if you choose to speak to someone older or younger than you) and have a chat. Ask them to share a story about something that shaped their character (e.g., a “life lesson” for older adults or a “key challenge” for younger ones). Just listen.
Join Our Tribe
I always feel smarter and stronger when I listen to and connect with wise people. My friends and fellow coaches Maria and Lorin are among the wisest people I know. The three of us joined together to bring you the Unpacking Midlife With The Wise Women podcast. You can listen on Spotify or Apple podcasts. We share our thoughts, concerns, and joys relating to our journeys through midlife. Whether you’re seeking guidance, validation, or the comfort of knowing you’re not alone, this community welcomes you.
Coaching Can Help
Communication is most effective when you approach conversations with curiosity and openness. If you want to make your interactions more meaningful by improving your communication skills, you might consider working with a coach. Together, we can help you create an action plan full of small steps and accountability so you can approach conversations with confidence and intention. Contact me here to talk about how coaching can help you. The first session is 15 minutes over Zoom and it’s free.
I firmly believe that I am never too old to learn things. That’s how one grows as a person.